DRAM technology compatible processor/memory chips

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a programmable logic array having a first logic plane that receives a number of input signals. The first logic plane has a plurality of non-volatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns that are interconnected to provide a number of logical outputs. A number of non-volatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns of a second logic plane receive the outputs of the first logic plane and are interconnected to produce a number of logical outputs such that the programmable logic array implements a logical function. Each non-volatile memory cell includes a MOSFET. Each non-volatile memory cell includes a stacked capacitor formed according to a DRAM process. Each nonvolatile memory cell includes an electrical contact that couples the stacked capacitor to a gate of the MOSFET. The present invention also includes methods for producing the Ics and arrays.

This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.09/261,598, filed Feb. 26, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,856 which isincorporated herein.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to commonly assigned applications, U.S.application Ser. No. 09/259,493, filed Feb. 26, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,380,581, U.S. application Ser. No. 09/261,597, filed Feb. 26, 1999,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,989, and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/261,479,filed Feb. 26, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,225 which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to semiconductor integratedcircuits and, more particularly, to DRAM technology compatibleprocessor/memory chips.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many products need various amounts of memory. Two of the most usefultypes of memory are high speed, low cost memory typically implemented asDynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and non-volatile memory typicallyimplemented as Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory(EEPROM) or Flash memory. The ability to combine DRAM and EEPROM stylesof memory, as well as logic and data processing functions implemented byProgrammable Logic Arrays (PLA's) especially if little or no additionalmanufacturing complexity is required, would allow a number of costeffective applications that do not currently exist or that, heretoforewere too costly to be commercially viable.

With the increasing array density of successive generations of DRAMchips, the attractiveness of merging other functions onto the chip alsoincreases. However, any successful merged technology product must becost competitive with the existing alternative of combining separatechips at the card or package level, each being produced withindependently optimized technologies. Any significant addition ofprocess steps to an existing DRAM technology in order to provide addedfunctions such as high speed logic, SRAM or EEPROM becomes rapidly costprohibitive due to the added process complexity cost and decreasedyield. Thus, there is a need for a means of providing additionalfunctions on a DRAM chip with little or no modification of the DRAMoptimized process flow.

Among the desired additional functions, EEPROM is one for which thedifferences between the separately optimized technologies is thegreatest. The typical EEPROM cell consists of a MOSFET with two stackedgates, a floating gate directly over the device channel and a controlgate atop and capacitively coupled to it.

It would be very desirable to reduce all the major elements of a PC onto a single chip, including CPU, memory and input/output. While at thepresent time it may not be possible to make a whole PC on a single die,many processor like functions might most conveniently be embedded on theDRAM die. PLAs on a DRAM die would be well suited for memory addresscorrection/repair by changing the addresses to remove faultyrows/columns, and replace them with functional ones. An example of aredundancy repair scheme is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,681 issuedLowrey on Jun. 28, 1994. Another is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,354issued Choate on Sep. 27, 1997. Another is provide in U.S. Pat. No.5,327,380 issued Kersh III on Jul. 5, 1994. None of these, however,incorporate an optimized DRAM technology process flow. PLAs on a DRAMdie would also be desirable for use as dedicated processors embedded onthe DRAM chip.

Recent publications outline the problems in trying to embed DRAMs inhigh performance ULSI logic. The conclusions are that because of theheight differences between conventional stacked capacitor DRAM cells andhigh performance logic circuits that this can only be reasonablyaccomplished with trench capacitor DRAMS.

Modem DRAM technologies are driven by market forces and technologylimitations to converge upon a high degree of commonality in basic cellstructure. For the DRAM technology generations from 4 Mbit through 1Gbit, the cell technology has converged into two basic structuralalternatives; trench capacitor and stacked capacitor. A method forutilizing a trench DRAM capacitor technology to provide a compatibleEEPROM cell has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,367. A differentapproach is needed for stacked capacitors however.

Thus, there is a need for merging processor and memory functions on asingle DRAM chip. Similarly, there is a need for using PLAs on a DRAMchip as decoder devices. It is desirable that such processor/PLAcapability be fabricated onto the DRAM chip with little or nomodification of the DRAM optimized process flow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above mentioned problems for merging processor/PLAs and memoryfunctions on a single DRAM chip as well as other problems are addressedby the present invention and will be understood by reading and studyingthe following specification. The present invention includes a compactnon-volatile memory cell structure formed using a DRAM processtechnology.

The present invention includes a programmable logic array having a firstlogic plane that receives a number of input signals. The first logicplane has a plurality of non-volatile memory cells arranged in rows andcolumns that are interconnected to provide a number of logical outputs.A second logic plane is provided which has a number of non-volatilememory cells arranged in rows and columns that receive the outputs ofthe first logic plane and that are interconnected to produce a number oflogical outputs such that the programmable logic array implements alogical function. Each non-volatile memory cell includes a metal oxidesemiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Each non-volatile memorycell includes a stacked capacitor formed according to a dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM) process. And, each non-volatile memory cellincludes an electrical contact that couples the stacked capacitor to agate of the MOSFET.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes an address decoderfor a memory device. The address decoder includes a number of addresslines and a number of output lines. The address lines, and the outputlines form an array. A number of non-volatile memory cells are disposedat intersections of output lines and address lines. Each non-volatilememory cell includes a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor(MOSFET), a stacked capacitor formed according to a dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM) process, and an electrical contact that couples thestacked capacitor to a gate of the MOSFET. The nonvolatile memory cellsare selectively programmed such that the non-volatile memory cellsimplement a logic function that selects an output line responsive to anaddress provided to the address lines.

These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of thepresent invention will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art byreference to the following description of the invention and referenceddrawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, andfeatures of the invention are realized and attained by means of theinstrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating in detail the make up of eachnonvolatile memory cell according to the teachings of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a field programmable logic array(PLA) according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating generally an architecture ofone embodiment of a programmable logic array (PLA) constructed accordingto the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating generally an architecture ofone embodiment of a programmable decoder according to the teachings ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates application of programmed logic arrays (PLA's),formed according to the teaching of the present invention, embeddedprocessor on a DRAM die.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in whichis shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describesubstantially similar components throughout the several views. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilizedand structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. The terms wafer andsubstrate used in the following description include any structure havingan exposed surface with which to form the integrated circuit (IC)structure of the invention. The term substrate is understood to includesemiconductor wafers. The term substrate is also used to refer tosemiconductor structures during processing, and may include other layersthat have been fabricated thereupon. Both wafer and substrate includedoped and undoped semiconductors, epitaxial semiconductor layerssupported by a base semiconductor or insulator, as well as othersemiconductor structures well known to one skilled in the art. The termconductor is understood to include semiconductors, and the terminsulator is defined to include any material that is less electricallyconductive than the materials referred to as conductors. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense,and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating in detail the make up of thenonvolatile memory cell, e.g. 100, according to the teachings of thepresent invention. The non-volatile memory cell 100 includes all theembodiments of the non-volatile memory cell structure presented anddescribed in detail in the co-filed application attorney docket number303.556us1, entitled “DRAM Technology Compatible Non-volatile MemoryCells,” by Wendell P. Noble and Eugene H. Cloud, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

As shown in FIG. 1, the non-volatile memory cell structure 100 includesa MOSFET 110 and a capacitor 120 fabricated using conventional DRAMprocess steps. In one embodiment, the MOSFET 110 includes an n-channelmetal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor 110 formed in asemiconducting substrate 111. The MOSFET 110 includes a gate 112separated by a gate oxide 113 from a channel region 114 of the MOSFET110. In one embodiment, the gate oxide 113 has a thickness of less than100 Angstroms (Å) and acts as a tunneling oxide. Gate 112 includes apolysilicon gate 112, a polycide gate 112, salicided gate structure, orother conductive gate material as known to one of ordinary skill in theart of DRAM transistor fabrication. The channel region 114 couples afirst diffused region 115 to a second diffused region 116. The DRAMtransistor is formed according to a conventional, DRAM optimized processflow, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art of DRAM chipfabrication.

As shown in FIG. 1, the capacitor 120 is formed in a subsequent layerabove the MOSFET 110. The capacitor 120 is separated from the MOSFET 110by an insulator layer 132. Capacitor 120 includes a bottom plate 121 anda top plate 123, or a control gate 123 which is separated from thebottom plate 121 by a dielectric layer or capacitor dielectric 122. Thebottom plate 121 serves as a storage node 121 and the top plate servesas a plate capacitor 123 for the capacitor 120. The bottom plate 121comprises a floating gate 121 for the non-volatile memory cell 100 whichis connected through insulator layer 132 to gate 112 by an electricalcontact 130. In one embodiment, the entire stack 121, 130 and 112 servesas a floating gate. The top plate 123 comprises a control gate 123 forthe non-volatile memory cell 100.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, capacitor 120 includes a stackedcapacitor which is cup shaped 120. The bottom plate 121 has interiorwalls 121A and exterior walls 121B. The capacitor dielectric 122 isconformal to the interior walls 121A and the exterior walls 121B of thebottom plate 121. The top plate 123 is conformal to the capacitordielectric 122. A portion of the top plate 123 is located within andopposes the interior walls 121A of the bottom plate 121, separatedtherefrom by the capacitor dielectric 122. A portion of the top plate123 is locate outside of and opposes the exterior walls 121B of thebottom plate 121, separated therefrom by the capacitor dielectric 122.In one embodiment, the capacitor dielectric has a thickness of less thanthe equivalent of 100 Angstroms (Å) of SiO₂. As one of ordinary skill inthe art will understand upon reading this disclosure, other of stackedcapacitor 120 configurations, such as domes or flat plates, areapplicable. To create an array of such cells, such as shown in theco-filed application attorney docket number 303.556us1, entitled “DRAMTechnology Compatible Non-volatile Memory Cells,” by Wendell P. Nobleand Eugene H. Cloud, bit lines are connected to the first and seconddiffused regions, 115 and 116. For minimum cell size, the bit lines mayconsist of diffusion lines which traverse the array. By then patterningthe top plate 123 of the stacked capacitor 120 into strips orthogonal tothe diffused bit lines, control gate 123 word lines couple to the bottomplate 121 and the MOSFET 110 of the non-volatile memory cell 100structure.

The resulting non-volatile memory cell 100 has the same physical andelectrical features as conventional non-volatile memory cells and thusconventional methods of programming (e.g. channel hot electron “CHE”injection) and erasure (e.g. Fowler Nordheim “F-N” tunneling) may beused. However, whereas conventional non-volatile memory cells havecapacitive coupling ratios of 0.6 to 1.0, as defined in the co-filedapplication attorney docket number 303.556us1, entitled “DRAM TechnologyCompatible Non-volatile Memory Cells,” by Wendell P. Noble and Eugene H.Cloud, the inherently high stacked capacitor 120 surface area of thepresent invention can provide coupling ratios many times this. Thereforethe gate voltage swings needed for programming and erasure are greatlyreduced.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a field programmable logic array(PLA) 200 according to the teachings of the present invention. PLA 200includes two major constituents: a first logic plane 220 and a secondlogic plane 230. The first and second logic planes 220 and 230 areformed using an array of non-volatile memory cells 100 as presented anddescribed in detail in connection to FIG. 1. In one embodiment, thefirst and second logic planes 220 and 230 each comprise NOR logiccircuits such that PLA 200 implements NOR—NOR logic. In otherembodiments, first and second logic planes 220 and 230 are constructedfrom arrays of non-volatile memory cells 100 that are configured toimplement AND-OR, OR-AND, NAND—NAND, NOR-OR, OR-NOR, AND-NOR, andNAND-AND logic.

Input lines 225 are coupled to receive a number of input signals.Inverters/drivers 250 are coupled to the input lines 225 such that firstlogic plane 220 is capable of receiving each of the input signals andtheir complements. First logic plane 220 produces a number of outputsignals that are logical combinations of the signals frominverters/drivers 250. The output signals from first logic plane 220 areprovided to second logic plane 230 via interconnection lines 222. Secondlogic plane 230 produces a number of output signals that are logicalcombinations of the signals from interconnection lines 222.

In addition, various control circuits and signals not detailed hereininitiate and synchronize the PLA 200 operation as known to those skilledin the art. The PLA 200 implementation described with respect to FIG. 2is illustrative only and is not intended to be exclusive or limiting.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating generally an architecture ofone embodiment of a programmable logic array (PLA), indicated generallyat 300, and constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention. PLA 300 implements an illustrative logical function using atwo level logic approach. Specifically, PLA 300 includes first andsecond logic planes 310 and 320. In this example, the logic function isimplemented using NOR—NOR logic. First and second logic planes 310 and320 each include an array of non-volatile memory cells 100, as presentedand described in detail in connection to FIG. 1, that are configured toimplement the logical function of PLA 300.

It is noted that the configuration of FIG. 3 is provided by way ofexample and not by way of limitation. Specifically, the teachings of thepresent application are not limited to programmable logic arrays in theNOR—NOR approach. Further, the teachings of the present application arenot limited to the specific logical function shown in FIG. 3. Otherlogical functions can be implemented in a programmable logic array withnon-volatile memory cells 100 using any one of the various two levellogic approaches.

First logic plane 310 receives a number of input signals at input lines312. In this example, no inverters are provided for generatingcomplements of the input signals. However, first logic plane 310 caninclude inverters to produce the complementary signals when needed in aspecific application.

First logic plane 310 includes a number of non-volatile memory cells 100that form an array. The non-volatile memory cells 100 are located at theintersection of input lines 312, and interconnect lines 314. Not all ofthe non-volatile memory cells 100 are operatively conductive in thefirst logic plane. Rather, the non-volatile memory cells 100 areselectively programmed to respond to the input lines 312 and change thepotential of the interconnect lines 314 so as to implement a desiredlogic function. Thus, some non-volatile memory cells 100 are leftunprogrammed. This selective interconnection is referred to asprogramming since the logical function implemented by the programmablelogic array is enterred into the array by the non-volatile memory cells100 that are used at the intersections of input lines 312, andinterconnect lines 314 in the array.

In this embodiment, each of the interconnect lines 314 acts as a NORgate for the input lines 312 that are connected to the interconnectlines 314 through the non-volatile memory cells 100 of the array. Forexample, interconnection line 314 a acts as a NOR gate for the signalson input lines 312 a, 312 b and 312 c. That is, interconnect line 314 ais maintained at a high potential unless one or more of the non-volatilememory cells 100 that are coupled to interconnect line 314 a are turnedon by a high logic level signal on one of the input line 312. When acontrol gate address is activated, through input lines 312, eachnon-volatile memory cell 100 either conducts or does not conductdepending on the charge stored upon its floating gate, this performs theNOR positive logic circuit function, an inversion of the OR circuitfunction results from inversion of data onto the interconnect lines 314through the non-volatile memory cells 100 of the array. The senseamplifiers 316 at the ends of the interconnect lines 314 are used asamplifiers and drivers for the passing data into the second array 320.In this manner a NOR—NOR is most easily implemented utilizing the normalDRAM array structure, only the function of devices is changed.

In a similar manner, second logic plane 320 comprises a second array ofnon-volatile memory cells 100 that are selectively programmed to providethe second level of the two level logic needed to implement a specificlogical function. In this embodiment, the array of non-volatile memorycells 100 is also configured such that the output lines 318 comprise alogical NOR function of the signals from the interconnection lines 314that are coupled to particular output lines through the non-volatilememory cells 100 of the second logic plane 320.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram that illustrates one embodiment of adecoder, indicated generally at 400, that is constructed according tothe teachings of the present invention. Decoder 400 can be used, forexample, as a memory address decoder such as a column decoder or a rowdecoder.

Decoder 400 of FIG. 4 includes a number of non-volatile memory cells,e.g. 435, as described in detail in connection with FIG. 1. The numberof nonvolatile memory cells are formed at the intersection of outputlines O₁ through O₄ with either an address line A₁ through A₃ or inverseaddress line A₁ through A₃. The inverse address lines are coupled toassociated address lines through an inverter as shown. For example,non-volatile memory cell is located at the intersection of address lineA₁ and output line O₁. Decoder 400 is programmed and reprogrammedaccording to the techniques generally know for programming conventionalnon-volatile memory cells. Any selected number of the non-volatilememory cells be operatively coupled to the address lines, A₁ through A₃,inverse address lines, A₁ through A₃, or the output lines, O₁ throughO₄. In this manner, the number of non-volatile memory cells areselectively programmed into the array in order to implement a desiredlogical function.

In this embodiment of FIG. 4, each of the output lines, O₁ through O₄,implements a NOR logic function for the address lines, A₁ through A₃,and inverse address lines, A₁ through A₃, that are connected to itthrough the vertical transistors. For example, output line O₁ is coupledto the drains of non-volatile memory cells 435, 436, and 437.Non-volatile memory cells 435, 436, and 437 have gates, as shown indetail in FIG. 1, that are coupled to receive signals from address linesA₁, A₂, and A₃, respectively. Output line O₁ produces the logical NOR ofthe logic values provided on address lines A₁, A₂, and A₃. Output lineO₁ produces a low logic level when any one of the address lines A₁, A₂,and A₃ is brought to a high logic level and the floating gate on anassociated non-volatile memory cell, as shown in detail in FIG. 1, isabsent of charge (e.g. in an unprogrammed state). Further, output lineO₁ produces a high logic level only when the address lines A₁, A₂, andA₃ are all at a low logic level.

The remaining output lines are selectively coupled to other non-volatilememory cells as shown to implement additional NOR functions. These NORfunctions are chosen such that the input address lines, A₁, A₂, and A₃,(and inverse address lines, A₁, A₂, A₃) can be used to selectivelyaddress the output lines, O₁ through O₄. It is noted that the logicalfunctions implemented in array 400 are shown by way of illustration andnot by way of limitation. Other logical functions can be implementedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Generally speaking, decoder 400 can be fabricated with N address inputlines to uniquely select 2^(N) output lines. Thus, in an alternativeembodiment, two address lines, A₁ and A₂, are used to selectively accessfour output lines, O₁ through O₄. In this embodiment, the purpose ofaddress line A₃ is to hold the output lines at a low level when anaddress signal has not yet been received.

FIG. 5 illustrates application of PLA's, structure according to theteachings of the present invention, as an embedded processor on a DRAMdie 500. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, data from the DRAM memoryarrays 510 is input to the processor 520 at the top of the FIG. 5 viainterconnect lines 512. At the end of the processing, as defined by theprogram selected for data processing from the program circuit 540,processed data is sent back for storage in the DRAM arrays 510 from adata output circuit 530 via interconnect lines 514. In one embodiment ofFIG. 5, the individual cell type for implementation of a particularprocessor 520 function includes a program stored in the program circuit540 using EEPROM cells. Memory is held in the memory arrays 510 andregisters 590 using conventional DRAM cells. In this embodiment, theindividual cell type for implementation of the particular processor 520function includes a function and sequence circuit 550, FLAGS 560, one ormore serial adders 570, and a data selector 580 using PLAs constructedaccording to teachings of the present invention. As is shown in FIG. 5,most functions in the processor can be implemented using PLA's accordingto the teachings of the present invention.

Conclusion

Thus, the ability to provide processor/PLA capability on a DRAM chipaccording to a DRAM optimized process flow has been shown by the presentinvention. This disclosure provides not only a technique for combininglogic (implemented with PLA's) with stacked capacitor DRAM cells butalso describes the alternative approach to improving system performance,namely “embedded logic in DRAMs”, not DRAMs embedded in logic.

The ability to process data stored on the DRAM die allows a number ofcost effective applications that do not currently exist or that,heretofore were to costly to be commercially viable. It is particularlysuited to processing data which requires a large number of paralleloperations. The use of programmable embedded processors avoids thenecessity of transferring intermediate data on and off chip throughinput/output drivers and circuits and greatly speeds data processing.This aids in applications such as a dedicated signal processor in whichdata may be loaded in to a range of DRAM addresses and then having analgorithm such as the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), performed on thedata with the results stored in another range of DRAM memory all on thesame chip. The user application can retrieve the resultant processeddata from the memory. The ability of an on chip non-volatile memorymeans that the processor program instructions, implementing variousalgorithms, can not only be stored on the die but also can be easilychanged to suit a variety of applications. The PLA's of the presentinvention allow powerful techniques for data processing which areespecially useful for parallel data processing applications such asimage processing or general Digital Signal Processing (DSP). The PLA'sof the present invention are also suitable for making general purposeprocessors embedded in a DRAM by which one could emulate a generalpurpose processor such as an 80C251, an 8 bit general purposemicroprocessor. Here, 5-10 Mbits of the DRAM of the DRAM chip can beconfigured for PLA's, non-volatile storage, and where DRAM serves asregisters.

Thus, the ability to provide processor/PLA capability on a DRAM chipaccording to a DRAM optimized process flow has been shown by the presentinvention. This disclosure provides not only a technique for combininglogic (implemented with PLA's) with stacked capacitor DRAM cells butalso describes the alternative approach to improving system performance,namely “embedded logic in DRAMs”, not DRAMs embedded in logic.

The present invention includes a programmable logic array having a firstlogic plane that receives a number of input signals. The first logicplane has a plurality of non-volatile memory cells arranged in rows andcolumns that are interconnected to provide a number of logical outputs.A second logic plane is provided which has a number of non-volatilememory cells arranged in rows and columns that receive the outputs ofthe first logic plane and that are interconnected to produce a number oflogical outputs such that the programmable logic array implements alogical function. Each non-volatile memory cell includes a metal oxidesemiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Each non-volatile memorycell includes a stacked capacitor formed according to a dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM) process. And, each non-volatile memory cellincludes an electrical contact that couples the stacked capacitor to agate of the MOSFET.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes an address decoderfor a memory device. The address decoder includes a number of addresslines and a number of output lines. The address lines, and the outputlines form an array. A number of non-volatile memory cells are disposedat intersections of output lines and address lines. Each non-volatilememory cell includes a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor(MOSFET), a stacked capacitor formed according to a dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM) process, and an electrical contact that couples thestacked capacitor to a gate of the MOSFET. The non-volatile memory cellsare selectively programmed such that the non-volatile memory cellsimplement a logic function that selects an output line responsive to anaddress provided to the address lines.

Methods, integrated circuits, and electronic systems are similarlyprovided and included within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determinedwith reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A programmable logic array, comprising: a firstlogic plane that receives a number of input signals, the first logicplane having a plurality of non-volatile memory cells arranged in rowsand columns that are interconnected to provide a number of logicaloutputs; a second logic plane having a number of non-volatile memorycells arranged in rows and columns that receive the outputs of the firstlogic plane and that are interconnected to produce a number of logicaloutputs such that the programmable logic array implements a logicalfunction; and wherein the non-volatile memory cells each include: ametal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET); a stackedcapacitor formed according to a dynamic random access memory (DRAM)process, the stacked capacitor being adapted to provide a coupling ratioof greater than 1.0; and an electrical contact that couples the stackedcapacitor to a gate of the MOSFET.
 2. The programmable logic array ofclaim 1, wherein the first logic plane and the second logic plane eachcomprise NOR planes.
 3. The programmable logic array of claim 1, whereinthe substrate is a bulk semiconductor.
 4. The programmable logic arrayof claim 1, wherein the electrical contact includes a polysilicon plug.5. The programmable logic array of claim 1, wherein the working surfaceof the substrate includes an ins insulating layer formed on top of anunderlying semiconductor.
 6. The programmable logic array of claim 1,wherein the programmable logic array is operatively coupled to acomputer system.
 7. The programmable logic array of claim 1, wherein thestacked capacitor includes a fin type capacitor.
 8. The logic array ofclaim 1, wherein the stacked capacitor includes a storage node, acapacitor dielectric, and a plate conductor and wherein the electricalcontact couples the storage node of the stacked capacitor to the gate ofthe MOSFET.
 9. A programmable logic array, comprising: a first logicplane that receives a number of input signals, the first logic planehaving a plurality of non-volatile memory cells arranged in rows andcolumns that are interconnected to provide a number of logical outputs;and a second logic plane having a number of non-volatile memory cellsarranged in rows and columns that receive the outputs of the first logicplane and that are interconnected to produce a number of logical outputssuch that the programmable logic array implements a logical function,wherein the non-volatile memory cells each include: a transistor; astacked capacitor formed according to a dynamic random access memoryprocess, the capacitor providing a coupling ratio greater than 1.0; andan electrical contact that couples the stacked capacitor to a gate ofthe transistor.
 10. The programmable logic array of claim 9, wherein theimplemented logical function includes at least one of NOR—NOR, AND-OR,OR-AND, NAND—NAND, NOR-OR, OR-NOR, AND-NOR, and NAND-AND.
 11. Theprogrammable logic array of claim 9, wherein the first logic planeincludes inverters adapted to generate complements of the input signals.12. The programmable logic array of claim 9, wherein the electricalcontact includes a polysilicon plug.
 13. The programmable logic array ofclaim 9, the stacked capacitor includes a fin type capacitor.
 14. Theprogrammable logic array of claim 9, wherein the stacked capacitorincludes a storage node, a capacitor dielectric, and a plate conductorand wherein the electrical contact couples the storage node of thestacked capacitor to the gate of the transistor.
 15. The programmablelogic array of claim 9, wherein the transistor is a metal oxidesemiconductor field effect transistor.
 16. A programmable logic array,comprising: a first logic plane that receives a number of input signals,the first logic plane having a plurality of non-volatile memory cellsarranged in rows and columns that are interconnected to provide a numberof logical outputs; and a second logic plane having a number ofnon-volatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns that receive theoutputs of the first logic plane and that are interconnected to producea number of logical outputs such that the programmable logic arrayimplements a logical function, wherein the non-volatile memory cellseach include: a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor; acup-shaped stacked capacitor formed according to a dynamic random accessmemory process, the capacitor providing a coupling ratio greater than1.0; arid an electrical contact that couples the stacked capacitor to agate of the transistor.
 17. The programmable logic array of claim 16,herein the implemented logical function includes at least one ofNOR—NOR, AND-OR, OR-AND, NAND—NAND, NOR-OR, OR-NOR, AND-NOR, andNAND-AND.
 18. The programmable logic array of claim 16, wherein thefirst logic plane includes inverters that are adapted to generatecomplements of the input signals.
 19. The programmable logic array ofclaim 16, the electrical contact includes a polysilicon plug.
 20. Theprogrammable logic array of claim 16, the cup-shaped stacked capacitorincludes a storage node, a capacitor dielectric, and a plate conductorand wherein the electrical contact couples the storage node of thestacked capacitor to the gate of the transistor.
 21. A programmablelogic array, comprising: a first logic plane that receives a number ofinput signals, the first logic plane having a plurality of non-volatilememory cells arranged in rows and columns that are interconnected toprovide a number of logical outputs; and a second logic plane having anumber of non-volatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns thatreceive the outputs of the first logic plane and that are interconnectedto produce a number of logical outputs such that the programmable logicarray implements a logical function, wherein the non-volatile memorycells each include: a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistorcomprising a gate and a channel region separated by a gate oxide; astacked capacitor formed according to a dynamic random access memoryprocess, the capacitor providing a coupling ratio greater than 1.0; andan electrical contact that couples the stacked capacitor to the gate ofthe transistor.
 22. The programmable Logic array of claim 21, whereinthe gate oxide has a thickness of less than 100 angstroms.
 23. Theprogrammable logic array of claim 21, wherein the gate oxide acts as atunneling oxide.
 24. The programmable logic array of claim 21, whereinthe implemented logical function includes at least one NOR—NOR, AND-OR,OR-AND, NAND—NAND, NOR-OR, OR-NOR, AND-NOR, and NAND-AND.
 25. Theprogrammable logic array of claim 21, wherein the first logic planeincludes inverters that are adapted to generate complements of the inputsignals.
 26. The programmable logic array of claim 21, wherein theelectrical contact includes a polysilicon plug.
 27. The programmablelogic array of claim 21, wherein the stacked capacitor includes a fintype capacitor.
 28. The programmable logic array of claim 21, thestacked capacitor includes a storage node, a capacitor dielectric, and aplate conductor and wherein the electrical contact couples the storagenode of the stacked capacitor to the gate of the transistor.
 29. Aprogrammable logic array, comprising: a first logic plane that receivesa number of input signals, the first logic plane having a plurality ofnon-volatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns that areinterconnected to provide a number of logical outputs; and a secondlogic plane having a number of non-volatile memory cells arranged inrows and columns that receive the outputs of the first logic plane andthat are interconnected to produce a number of logical outputs such thatthe programmable logic array implements a logical function, wherein thenon-volatile memory cells each include: a metal oxide semiconductorfield effect transistor; a stacked capacitor formed according to adynamic random access memory process, the capacitor providing a couplingratio greater than 1.0, the capacitor including a bottom plate and a topplate separated by a capacitor dielectric; and an electrical contactthat couples the bottom plate of the stacked capacitor to a gate of thetransistor.
 30. The programmable logic array of claim 29, wherein thebottom plate serves as a storage node.
 31. The programmable logic arrayof claim 29, wherein the bottom plate comprises a floating gate for theat least one non-volatile memory cell.
 32. The programmable logic arrayof claim 29, the implemented logical function includes at least one ofNOR—NOR, AND-OR, OR-AND, NAND—NAND, NOR-OR, OR-NOR, AND-NOR, andNAND-AND.
 33. The programmable logic array of claim 29, wherein thefirst logic plane includes inverters that generate complements of theinput signals.
 34. The programmable logic array of claim 29, wherein theelectrical contact includes a polysilicon plug.
 35. The programmablelogic array of claim 29, wherein the stacked capacitor includes a fintype capacitor.
 36. A programmable logic array, comprising: a firstlogic plane that receives a number of input signals, the first logicplane having a plurality of non-volatile memory cells arranged in rowsand columns that are interconnected to provide a number of logicaloutputs; and a second logic plane having a number of non-volatile memorycells arranged in rows and columns that receive the outputs of the firstlogic plane and that are interconnected to produce a number of logicaloutputs such that the programmable logic array implements a logicalfunction, wherein the non-volatile memory cells each include: a metaloxide semiconductor field effect transistor; a cup-shaped stackedcapacitor formed according to a dynamic random access memory process,the capacitor providing a coupling ratio greater than 1.0, the capacitorincluding a bottom plate and a top plate separated by a capacitordielectric; and an electrical contact that couples the bottom plate ofthe stacked capacitor to a gate of the transistor.
 37. The programmablelogic array of claim 36, herein the bottom plate serves as a storagenode.
 38. The programmable logic array of claim 36, herein the bottomplate comprises a floating gate for the at least one non-volatile memorycell.
 39. The programmable logic array of claim 36, wherein theimplemented logical function includes at least one of NOR—NOR, AND-OR,OR-AND, NAND—NAND, NOR-OR, OR-NOR, AND-NOR, and NAND-AND.
 40. Theprogrammable logic array of claim 36, wherein the first logic planeincludes inverters that are adapted to generate complements of the inputsignals.
 41. The programmable logic array of claim 36, the electricalcontact includes a polysilicon plug.
 42. A programmable logic al-ray,comprising: a first logic plane that receives a number of input signals,the first logic plane having a plurality of non-volatile memory cellsarranged in rows and columns that are interconnected to provide a numberof logical outputs; and a second logic plane having a number ofnon-volatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns that receive theoutputs of the first logic plane and that are interconnected to producea number of logical outputs such that the programmable logic arrayimplements a logical function, wherein the non-volatile memory cellseach include: a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistorcomprising a gate and a channel region separated by a gate oxide; acup-shaped stacked capacitor formed according to a dynamic random accessmemory process, the capacitor providing a coupling ratio greater than1.0; and an electrical contact that couples the stacked capacitor to agate of the transistor.
 43. The programmable logic array of claim 42,herein the gate oxide acts as a tunneling oxide.
 44. The programmablelogic array of claim 42, wherein the implemented logical functionincludes at least one of NOR—NOR, AND-OR, OR-AND, NAND—NAND, NOR-OR,OR-NOR, AND-NOR, and NAND-AND.
 45. The programmable logic array of claim42, wherein the first logic plane includes inverters that are adapted togenerate complements of the input signals.
 46. The programmable logicarray of claim 43, wherein the electrical contact includes a polysiliconplug.
 47. The programmable logic array of claim 42, wherein the stackedcapacitor includes a storage node, a capacitor dielectric, and a plateconductor and wherein the electrical contact couples the storage node ofthe stacked capacitor to the gate of the transistor.
 48. A programmablelogic array, comprising: a first logic plane that receives a number ofinput signals, the first logic plane having a plurality of non-volatilememory cells arranged in rows and columns that are interconnected toprovide a number of logical outputs; and a second logic plane having anumber of non-volatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns thatreceive the outputs of the first logic plane and that are interconnectedto produce a number of logical outputs such that the programmable logicarray implements a logical function; wherein the non-volatile memorycells each include: a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistorcomprising a gate and a channel region separated by a gate oxide, thegate oxide being adapted to act as a tunneling oxide; a stackedcapacitor formed according to a dynamic random access memory process,the capacitor providing a coupling ratio greater than 1.0; and anelectrical contact that couples the stacked capacitor to a gate of thetransistor.